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Portage School Board votes to place new bond on August ballot By Will Kriss May 10, 2021 | 10:21 PM The Portage School Board approved putting it on the ballot Monday night. They had considered putting the question on the ballot last year, but low poll numbers and the pandemic convinced them to delay it until now. Because an old bond will be retired this year, it means that, if approved, the new bond will not mean a tax hike. Superintendent Mark Bielang says have already rebuilt the high schools, middle schools and athletic facilities, and this bond will focus on elementary schools. “We’re fortunate to be in a very good financial situation in the district,” Bielang said. “This is huge that you can do this amount of work with no increase to the existing debt. We’re very fortunate to be in that position.” ....
Credit John McNeill / WMUK Voters in the Portage School District will consider a large bond issue in August. School Board trustees put the $175-million request on the ballot Monday, May 10. If it s approved, Portage Superintendent Mark Bielang says the bond won t raise tax bills. That s because an older bond is expiring. We re fortunate to be in a very good financial situation in the district. And this is huge that you can do this amount of work with no increase to the existing debt levy. So, we re very fortunate to be in that position. The money would be used to replace or upgrade aging elementary buildings. Bielang says it’s the third and final phase of a long-range plan to rebuild the district’s schools. ....